The Changing Nature of the Royal Navy - Topic 2.2 Flashcards
Britain's acquisitions of important bases and colonies
When and how was Gibraltar acquired?
During the War of Spanish Succession, Britain captured Gibraltar in 1704 and Minorca in 1708 and formally ceded in 1713.
Why was it important for Britain to retain Gibraltar?
1783
- The French and Spanish tried to take Gibraltar during the American War of Independence, but Britain was able to hold onto it until the end of the war. Gibraltar provided a gateway for British ships to safely access the Mediterranean while also potentially cutting off France’s Atlantic fleets to its Mediterranean ones and supplying the fleets as well.
- The Strait of Gibraltar is 13 km wide, meaning the presence of Britain in this strait, they now had control of ships entering and exiting the Mediterranean Sea and also acted as a supply point for British ships, as seen with the Battle of Trafalgar with Admiral Nelson picking up supplies from Gibraltar in 1805
When and how was Malta acquired?
Napoleon captured Malta to facilitate Egypt’s protection during his invasion. Nelson blockaded Valletta after the locals rebelled and it became a British protectorate in 1815.
Why was Malta important to Britain?
It was a major naval base for the Royal Navy as it was right in the middle of the Mediterranean and it hosted the Mediterranean fleet of the British Navy. It also acted as a point of resupply before going through the canal or after coming out of it.
When and how was Ceylon acquired?
Ceylon was acquired by the Dutch after they capitulated to the French. In 1815, the king of Kandy was captured and a British protectorate was established on the island
Why was Ceylon important to Britain?
At the time, Ceylon was one of the only producers of cinnamon in the world, which made it an extremely valuable spice. The settlements surrendered to the British, and £300,000 was instantly acquired from this. It was both economically lucrative and acted as a base of operations between India and Southeast Asia.
When and how was Cape Town acquired?
It was occupied by the British after the Dutch capitulated to the French in 1794. The British reoccupied it again in 1806 and formalised a treaty with the Dutch in 1814.
Why was Cape Town important to Britain?
It was strategically important as it was a port that surveyed the area for ships between the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, cutting a major trade route.
When and how were the Falklands acquired?
An original colony was set up in 1766, but abandoned because of the American Revolutionary War. After Vernet (set up a colony on behalf of the United Provinces) wanted to maintain his monopoly of seals in the area, Britain occupied the colony as they saw the development as a threat to their trade and many of the people living on the island saw themselves as British .
Why were the Falklands important to Britain?
Helped provide a naval base in the South Atlantic and the Antarctic Oceans, provided revenue on seals and sheep, and protected trade at the Cape of Magellan.
When and how was Aden acquired?
After a gradual occupation from Napoleon’s invasion of Egypt (1798) to securing the area in 1839.
Why was Aden important to Britain?
Provided a coaling station for travel in the Red Sea. With the construction of the Suez Canal, the need for a coaling station and a patrol port became more important.
Why was Hong Kong important to Britain?
It was an ideal and secure location for the British in China and allowed large ocean-going vessels to offload their massive amounts of cargo without paying tariffs. Hong Kong was also a constant reminder that the British were better, and more powerful than China and could always get what they wanted from the Qing.
When and how was Cyprus acquired?
Acquired by Britain after the Russo-Turkish War in 1878. Disraeli’s policy of Imperial Jingoism and the Ottoman’s reliance on British support allowed for Britain to acquire it. It became a British protectorate in 1914.
Why was Cyprus important to Britain?
To protect trade routes in the Eastern Mediterranean, the Suez and the Red Sea were at both ends. Also acted as a base later on for British interests in the Middle East for future campaigns.
